Morgues, Forensics and Autopsies Quiz

Nobody wants to be on the receiving end of the services offered through morgues, such as forensics and autopsies, but all play an important role in the preservation, care and understanding of human remains. In this quiz, you'll test your knowledge of who's doing what to your body between your death and your grave. So take a deep breath before you begin -- and hope it's not your last (because otherwise you won't get to enjoy the quiz).

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Question 1 of 10

What country introduced the concept of the modern coroner?

Germany

France

England

England introduced the world to the official position of coroner back in 1194.

Scotland

Question 2 of 10

What was a common term for coroners in the 13th century?

morguer

crowner

Coroners were commonly called crowners, since they represented the interests of the King of England.

sheriff

stiff seeker

Question 3 of 10

What is the primary task of a modern coroner?

determining who's a suspect when a murder occurs

removing the organs of the deceased

determining the probable cause of death

Though a coroner's findings may be used to name murder suspects, the main duty of a coroner is establishing the cause of death. This is officially recorded on a death certificate.

supervising the crime scene

Question 4 of 10

What are the outdoor research sites where forensic anthropologists learn their trade called?

body farms

Body farms are secured areas where bodies donated to science are allowed to rot under various conditions in order to learn the effects of the elements and time on human remains.

corpse gardens

morgue camps

cadaver labs

Question 5 of 10

What's the difference between a coroner and a medical examiner?

Coroners are elected, and medical examiners are appointed.

Coroners are elected to office, and they're often not required to have any medical background whatsoever. Medical examiners have medical licenses and are appointed to office.

There is no difference.

Coroners work in morgues, which medical examiners aren't allowed to enter.

Coroners are trained law-enforcement officers.

Question 6 of 10

The forensic study of dental evidence is known as what?

oral criminology

odontology

Odontology is the study of forensic evidence relating to the teeth and mouth. Dental records can help identify a body, and bite marks can help identify a suspect.

criminal dental analysis

Question 7 of 10

In America, coroners are most closely associated with what position?

sheriff

In some counties throughout the United States, coroners still assume the powers of sheriff when the sheriff is incapacitated. Until recent decades, coroners and sheriffs were often one and the same.

comptroller

tax collector

Question 8 of 10

What power does the coroner usually have?

the power to subpoena

Coroners usually have the power to subpoena witnesses to the death, family members of the deceased or others who can help them determine the cause of death.

the power of persuasion

the power to declare a sheriff unfit for service

Question 9 of 10

About what percentage of deaths result in autopsy?

95 percent

70 percent

45 percent

20 percent

In the U.S., about 20 percent of deaths, or one in five, result in autopsy. Autopsies are usually performed when a death is sudden, unexplained or violent.

Question 10 of 10

The family of the deceased can refuse an autopsy if:

the body is to be cremated

religious beliefs forbid it

Nobody can prevent an autopsy if a coroner calls for one.

Coroners and medical examiners are required to perform or authorize autopsies if the cause of death is unknown or uncertain, and no one has the authority to overrule them.